Sarasota Orthopedic Associates physicians handle many types of muscle, joint, and spine conditions and injuries. While all of these should be taken seriously, damage to the foot or ankle can result in issues in other parts of the body.

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries

There are many bones in the foot and ankle, and fractures or breaks of each can have a different effect on the body. In every case, an injury as serious as a fracture will mean a sharp inability to bear any weight. This can be quite painful and may offset balance, put increased pressure on the other leg and joints, and even affect overall mood due to the lack of exercise that will likely ensue. If the break or fracture is not addressed quickly, a collapsed bone, severed ligament, or permanent deformity can develop.

Swelling is a sure sign that medical attention is needed in the foot or ankle, but this does not always mean a compromised bone. Swelling can result from everything from prescribed medication, diet, pregnancy, and blood clots. Determining, in these cases, the source of swelling requires a professional diagnosis.

Available Treatments

In the case of breaks or fractures, foot treatment can often be as straightforward as a cast or brace if treated in a timely manner. After an X-ray procedure, a physician can determine how to proceed. Otherwise, if the break is serious enough or ignored, surgery will be necessary to offset the shift in the foot and ankle structure. Other cases, such as stress fractures, may require protective footgear for two to four months.

As for swelling, diagnostics heavily determine the treatment. If the problem is a result of new pressure, such as pregnancy, then protective footwear and medication may be prescribed. If swelling stems from disease, as in heart failure or alcoholism, lifestyle changes will be recommended along with protective footwear.

If you are needing foot or ankle treatment, contact Sarasota Orthopedic Associates to make an appointment today at 941-951-2663, or go to our website homepage at www.SOA.MD and schedule an appointment online. We have three convenient locations and provide same day appointments when needed.

In our ongoing series of SOA physician interviews, we’re getting an up close and personal look at each of our physicians. This week, we asked Eric James, MD, orthopedic foot & ankle surgeon at Sarasota Orthopedic Associates, to answer some questions and share his thoughts with us.

What inspired you to become a physician?

In middle school I began shadowing a family friend who was an orthopedic surgeon. I found it to be very interesting and it really stuck with me. I studied engineering in college so I would have a broad background, but knew I wanted to work in orthopedics… so, here I am!

Why orthopedics?

I have always been more of a mechanically minded person and there is no better field than orthopedics for the mechanic/engineer/tinkerer. A lot of what we do on a daily basis is correcting biomechanical abnormalities, so it really fit me well.

What do you love most about your job?

Seeing someone complete the process of healing and have an opportunity to get back to doing the things they love.

Costa Rica for a surfing trip before college started. We spent a good deal of time immersed in the culture and I have a lot of great memories from that trip

Any hobbies? Activities?

I enjoy being outside and particularly on the water. I grew up surfing, fishing and diving, so I am starting to get back into some of that. I just took up paddle boarding, which is a lot of fun and great exercise too!

What’s your next adventure?

I am in the process of getting recertified for diving and I am looking to get back into spearfishing. Otherwise, I am looking forward to a relaxing vacation as season winds down!

Your guilty pleasure food?

Mint chocolate chip ice cream

Note:Eric James, MD is a fellowship trained orthopedic foot & ankle surgeon at Sarasota Orthopedic Associates. You may read his professional biography and watch his video on our website here. SOA has four locations in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and Bradenton and we offer same day appointments when needed. For an appointment with Dr James or any of our 13 physicians, please call 941-951-2663. Our commitment is to get our patients back on their feet, back to work, back in the game, and back to life.

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Our Mission

Sarasota Orthopedic Associates provides the highest level of compassionate and professional orthopedic care while treating our patients with the utmost respect, privacy and concern. Our commitment is to get our patients back on their feet... back to work... back in the game... back to life.